It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket in her 92nd year.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Arthur “Bud” George Spinney. Jean was the beloved mother of Paul George (Mary) and Margaret Ann (Daniel Thiffault). She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren Ryan (Alexandra), Leah (Matthew) and Michael. Jean was a proud G.G. to Louie and Parker.
Born in Toronto, she was the daughter of Bessie (nee Dane) and Joe Bishop, sister to George. She attended Lawrence Park Collegiate.
During her teaching career Jean taught Kindergarten in Lively, Sault Ste Marie, Toronto and North York.
Jean’s art career was established when she joined the Willowdale Group of Artists in 1980. She and Bud were active volunteers in the group until their move to Aurora in 2008. Jean was president of the group in the early 1990s and with Bud ran the Banbury Workshop for 20 years. Jean was also an award-winning artist in groups such as TWS (Toronto Watercolour Society, COAA (Central Ontario Art Association), and SOYRA (Society of York Region Artists).
Jean enjoyed singing alto in a few church choirs. Many of Jean’s friendships were formed in choirs and art groups.
Jean grew up at the family cottage, “Birchgrove: on Stewart Lake in Muskoka. Jean and Bud spent many happy summers at their cottage “Westwind” on Silverbirch Beach on the Shores of Georgian Bay. A place with beautiful rocks, trees and sunsets.
As much as we will all miss her terribly there is much to celebrate about Jean’s life.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2024 from 10 am until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:30 am at Aurora United Church, currently meeting at Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St, Aurora, ON L4G 1R3. A reception will follow in Binions Hall in the Church.
Donations to the Aurora United Church building fund (AUC, Rising from the Ashes, https://www.auroraunitedchurch.ca/news/auc-rising-from-the-ashes) in Jean’s memory would be gratefully accepted by her family.
